Rabbi Shlomo Aviner answers hundreds of text message questions a week. Some appear in the parashah sheets "Ma'ayanei Ha-Yeshu'ah" and "Olam Ha-Katan." Here's a sample:Q: I feel that there is no love between my parents, and it hurts me. If I point it out to my mother I think she will be angry. What should I do?A: It is worthwhile to ask your mother and talk about it.Q: When I was a kid I stole 20 shekels from a store and I now regret it. The store is long gone and I have no way of locating the owner. What should I do?A: In a case such as this, you should give Tzedakah.Q: I want to overcome my trait of anger. What should I do?A: Read a lot of Mesillat Yesharim.Q: I want to live in Eretz Yisrael in every sense. What should I do?A: In a spiritual sense, you should learn the Torah. In a physical sense, you should live in the Land, help build and develop the Land, and guard the Land by serving in the army.Q: How does one acquire a friend?A: A friendship is created gradually building a connection, step-by-step.Q: Is it permissible to enter a monastery or church during a trip?A: Certainly not. It is idol worship.Q: There are those who hold that Torah learning protects the State more than the army?A: We need both. Not one without the other. See Niddah 70b.Q: Is it permissible to daven on a plane in the aisle when it bothers others who need to pass?A: One should not fulfill this mitzvah when as a result it bothers others. This is also the ruling on Ha-Gaon Ha-Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv and Ha-Gaon Ha-Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach that we should not daven with a minyan on a plane if it bothers other.Q: Is it permissible to learn Yoga?A: The technique is permissible since it is like other types of relaxation, but not the faith behind it which is based on idol worship.Q: If I am in the middle of davening and my Rabbi or father enters. Do I stand in his honor?A: Yes. One should fulfill this mitzvah even in the middle of davening.Q: Is it permissible for me to nurse my baby where there are people if I am covered?A: Yes, you should be on the side as much as possible.Q: Is there truth in telling the future through tarot cards?A: Nonsense. It is forbidden because of "Do not engage in sorcery" (Vayikra 19:26).Q: Does one have to wash "netilat yadayim" when leaving the bathroom?A: No, it is an act of piety. It is enough to wash your hands.Q: Is it permissible for a woman to ride a bike?A: Yes, with a modest skirt.Q: Is there a source for not buying anything before birth?A: No, it is superstition.Q: Is it permissible for a mourner during Shiva to take a shower?A: Quickly and with lukewarm water if he is suffering.Q: Is it permissible to carry a bus pass on Shabbat to use after Shabbat?A: No, it is muktzeh and preparing on Shabbat for a weekday.

Mission Statement

To Enrich the spiritual life of the English-speaking World through the Torah of Ha-Rav Shlomo Aviner, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Ateret Yerushalayim in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. By offering English translations of Rav Aviner’s written and oral Torah, this division of the yeshiva aims to expose English speakers to a powerful, sensitive and poetic voice unparalleled in our time. His unfailing optimism, his tolerance and love all Jews, his guidance for harmony within the Jewish family and his dedication to Eretz Yisrael, the State of Israel and Tzahal will inspire and enrich the lives of all who may now have access to his words.